Endure To The End

"And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day."

— 3 Nephi 27:6

Endure to the end.

I didn't like this phrase as a teenager. I didn't really understand what it meant. I always pictured some terrible beast of burden, struggling through the mire, getting caught up in the muck and being sucked down to his death. I particularly remember giving my Sunday School teachers grief whenever they taught a lesson about this. "But what does it mean?" I would shout. "What are we supposed to endure?"

My parents divorced when I was 15. At first I was very supportive of my mother in this decision, but soon I spurned both of my parents and wondered if it were possible for any adult to have a loving, lasting marriage or a happy, fulfilled life. Enduring to the end meant suffering through grief and pain until you die. And that's all that life had to offer.

Today I'm no longer a rebellious teenager, I have found the love of my life, and together we have built a loving marriage and family. I have learned that life has SO MUCH to offer, both good and bad. I have learned that it is possible for two adults to build a loving, lasting marriage. I have learned that life is not just grief and pain, but pleasure and joy as well. 

But most importantly, I have learned what 'endure to the end' really means. It means to remain faithful to God. No matter what happens, what bumps and jolts you travel over, be faithful unto God. Trust in His abiding love, and have peace in your heart. Do not give up, do not fear, do not doubt, do not let go. Just trust in the love and devotion our Savior Jesus Christ has for you. He died for us. He wants us to succeed, and He will walk with us daily if we choose to walk with Him.

Life is a beautiful journey. It's not something just to be endured, but enjoyed.